Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract?

Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract comes from the blossoms of the heritage chrysanthemum species Chrysanthemum sinense, part of the daisy family. The petals carry a natural mix of flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, terpenoids and a light essential oil that gives the flower its calming scent. In East Asia dried chrysanthemum petals have long been steeped for soothing teas and applied as poultices, so when modern formulators began searching for gentle plant cleansers the flower was an obvious candidate. Today the extract is usually produced by soaking the dried petals in a food grade solvent or pure water, then filtering and concentrating the solution until it becomes a stable liquid or powder. You will spot it most often in facial cleansers, micellar waters, foaming gels, toners, shampoo and refreshing sheet masks where a soft, botanically sourced cleansing agent is desired.

Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued for one main job in skin and hair care products.

Cleansing: the extract helps lift away everyday dirt, sweat and light makeup without stripping skin or scalp of its own moisture. Its naturally occurring surfactant-like compounds allow formulators to lower the amount of harsher synthetic detergents, which can make a finished product feel milder and leave the complexion comfortable rather than tight.

Who Can Use Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract

The extract is gentle enough for most skin types. Normal, dry, oily and combination skin can all benefit from its mild cleansing action. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it lacks harsh detergents, though anyone with a known allergy to plants in the daisy family should be cautious.

Because the ingredient is plant derived and no animal parts or by-products are involved during harvesting or extraction, it is considered suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a doctor to stay on the safe side.

The extract is not known to make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it does not increase the chance of sunburn. As with any cleanser reserve eye area formulas for use around the eyes and keep rinse-off products out of the eyes to avoid stinging.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – redness, itching or rash in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family such as ragweed
  • Skin irritation – mild stinging or burning if the product is left on the skin for an extended period or used on compromised skin
  • Eye irritation – watering or discomfort if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Rare photosensitivity – very uncommon light-triggered rash reported in isolated cases of chrysanthemum allergy

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1  The extract is mostly water soluble and contains only trace amounts of heavier oils, so it does not tend to sit in pores or form a film that could trap debris. Formulas that rely on it for gentle cleansing usually wash away cleanly, keeping the risk of clogging very low.

Because of this low rating, Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. As always, the overall formula matters most, so look at the full ingredient list if congestion is a concern.

No additional comedogenic concerns have been reported in the scientific or product safety literature.

Summary

Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract is a plant-derived cleanser that lifts away surface grime through naturally occurring mild surfactant compounds. It helps makers reduce harsher detergents, leaving skin and scalp comfortable after rinsing.

The ingredient is still a niche pick compared with big-name botanicals like aloe or green tea, yet it has a solid following in gentle cleansers, micellar waters and K-beauty sheet masks. Fans appreciate its mild feel and botanical origin.

Topical use is considered safe for the vast majority of people except those with daisy family allergies. Serious side effects are rare and the extract is non-sensitizing in typical cosmetic levels. That said, skin is personal so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract before applying it to the whole face.

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